All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's often missed here is that this isn't just about people remembering God, but about them actively turning away from something else. The turning signifies a profound shift from their previous ways – be it idolatry or simply forgetting God – towards a genuine worship that acknowledges His rule over all nations. This verse paints a picture of global transformation, where entire families of people leave behind their former paths to embrace the Lord.
All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After recounting deep personal suffering and betrayal, the psalmist declares a future hope that extends far beyond his own experience. He proclaims that this suffering will not be in vain, but will lead to a global remembrance and turning to the Lord, with all nations ultimately worshiping God. This vision points to a universal redemption, signifying that the scope of God's work through the Messiah will encompass the entire world.
How can a psalm that starts with such raw anguish end with a vision of global worship? This verse reveals a much bigger story than just the psalmist's personal troubles.
This psalm begins with a cry of abandonment, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1). But here in verse 27, the perspective dramatically shifts. The commentators consistently point out that this isn't just about David's personal experience. It's a prophecy pointing to the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
Think about it: David's influence, while significant, was limited to his time and region. But verse 27 speaks of "all the ends of the earth" and "all the families of the nations." This grand, sweeping vision of universal worship could only be fulfilled through someone whose work would transcend all borders and eras.
This verse acts as a bridge, showing how the suffering described earlier in the psalm is not an endpoint, but a catalyst for God's redemptive plan reaching the entire world.
What does it truly mean for nations to 'remember' and 'turn'? It's more than just a historical recollection; it's a profound internal shift.
The verse highlights two crucial actions: 'remember' and 'turn.' These aren't passive events but active responses to encountering God.
To Remember:
Commentators suggest that 'remembering' here means more than just recalling facts. It's about recalling who God is – His character, His promises, His past actions – especially in light of our own past 'wickedness' or 'folly' (as noted by Poole and Benson).
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It implies a remembrance that leads to conviction. It's remembering the true God after a period of forgetting Him or worshipping idols.
To Turn:
'Turning' is the direct consequence of this remembering. It signifies repentance – a change of direction away from sin and idols, and a movement toward the Lord. This isn't just an external change but an internal reorientation of the heart and will, a conscious decision to align oneself with God's ways.
This 'turning' is what brings fragmented families and distant peoples into true worship.
The psalm concludes with a powerful image of universal worship. What does this worship look like, and who participates?
Verse 27 culminates in "all the families of the nations shall worship before you." This isn't just a gathering; it's the establishment of God's reign.
The Scope of Worship:
As Calvin points out, the mention of "all the families of the nations" shows that God's kingdom is not limited to one ethnic group. It's meant for everyone, breaking down all barriers.
The Nature of Worship:
The commentaries suggest this worship is both external (public acknowledgment, prayer) and internal (in spirit and truth, as Gill notes). It's a posture of humility and awe before God's presence. Barnes connects it to the ancient practice of worshipping 'before thee' in the tabernacle or temple, signifying worship in God's manifested presence.
A Shared Experience:
Crucially, this worship includes 'all the fat ones' (the rich) and those 'going down to the dust' (the poor or even the seemingly deceased), as highlighted by Calvin and JFB. This universality underscores that God's grace and the invitation to worship are for everyone, regardless of social status or past condition. It points to the inclusive nature of God's kingdom established through Christ.
Understand the original words
goy · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the collective peoples, ethnic groups, or political entities outside of the covenant people of Israel. Scripture predicts that all nations will eventually acknowledge God's sovereignty.
chawah · Hebrew Verb
To show reverence, submission, and adoration toward God through physical posture or spiritual attitude. It acknowledges God's supreme worthiness and the worshipper's complete dependence on Him.
This psalm, while rooted in the ancient Davidic kingdom and the hopes for its restoration, looks far beyond any single earthly ruler or temple. It points to a future, universal kingdom where the Messiah's work of redemption brings all nations to worship the one true God.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
King David unifies the tribes of Israel, establishing Jerusalem as the capital and a central place for worship. This sets the stage for the Davidic dynasty and the hope for a lasting kingdom.
c. 970 BC
Solomon's Temple Construction
David's son, Solomon, builds the First Temple in Jerusalem, solidifying Israel's identity as a nation centered around God's presence and prescribed worship.
c. 586 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
The destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple by the Babylonians leads to a mass deportation of Israelites. This event profoundly shapes Jewish identity and reinforces their longing for God's restoration and a future king.
c. 538 BC
Return from Exile
Cyrus the Great of Persia allows the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This marks a significant moment of restoration, though the Davidic kingdom is not fully re-established.
c. 20 BC
Herod's Temple Expansion
King Herod the Great begins a massive renovation and expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, a project intended to solidify his legitimacy and impress Rome.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus, a descendant of David, is crucified and then resurrected. This event is seen by Christians as the pivotal moment fulfilling prophecies of a suffering and triumphant Messiah.
c. AD 40s-60s
Apostolic Preaching to Gentiles
The apostles, particularly Paul, vigorously preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentile nations throughout the Roman Empire, fulfilling the prophetic scope of Psalm 22.
This passage echoes the inclusivity of Psalm 22:27, stating that the Messiah's work will bring salvation not only to Israel but to the ends of the earth.
Zechariah 14:16This verse directly parallels Psalm 22:27 by prophesying that all nations will go up to worship the Lord of hosts, highlighting the universal scope of God's kingdom.
Matthew 28:19Jesus' Great Commission directly fulfills the vision of Psalm 22:27, commanding His followers to make disciples of all nations, who will then worship Him.
Acts 15:17This New Testament passage quotes Amos 9:11-12, which speaks of restoring the people so that the remnant of humanity might seek the Lord, aligning with the universal worship promised in Psalm 22:27.
Revelation 7:9This vision of the redeemed in heaven perfectly illustrates Psalm 22:27, depicting a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language worshipping before the throne.
calvinPsalms 22:25-29: "My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him."
- My praise shall proceed from thee [522] in the great assembly; I will pay my vows in the presence of them that fear him. 26. The poor shall eat and be satisfied; they shall praise Jehovah that seek him: your heart shall live for ever. 27. All the ends of the earth shall remember, and turn to Jehovah; and all the tribes of the Gentiles shall prostrate themselves before his f…
poolePsalms 22:27: "All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee."
All the ends of the world, i.e. all nations, from one end of the world to the other. So this is an evident prophecy of the calling of the Gentilesto the knowledge of God and Christ by thy gospel, and consequently a clear proof that this Psalm doth directly and immediately speak of Christ; to whom alone, and not to David, this and divers other passages o…
What's often missed here is that this isn't just about people remembering God, but about them actively turning away from something else. The turning signifies a profound shift from their previous ways – be it idolatry or simply forgetting God – towards a genuine worship that acknowledges His rule over all nations. This verse paints a picture of global transformation, where entire families of people leave behind their former paths to embrace the Lord.
After recounting deep personal suffering and betrayal, the psalmist declares a future hope that extends far beyond his own experience. He proclaims that this suffering will not be in vain, but will lead to a global remembrance and turning to the Lord, with all nations ultimately worshiping God. This vision points to a universal redemption, signifying that the scope of God's work through the Messiah will encompass the entire world.
After recounting deep personal suffering and betrayal, the psalmist declares a future hope that extends far beyond his own experience. He proclaims that this suffering will not be in vain, but will lead to a global remembrance and turning to the Lord, with all nations ultimately worshiping God. This vision points to a universal redemption, signifying that the scope of God's work through the Messiah will encompass the entire world.
"All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you." — What's often missed here is that this isn't just about people remembering God, but about them actively turning away from something else. The turning signifies a profound shift from their previous…
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Last reviewed October 2026